Franklin Graham has been welcomed to Vietnam by the heads of state in a landmark visit.
Rev Graham, CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, has met Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, in the capital Hanoi.
It’s the first time an evangelical Christian speaker has been allowed to visit outside of a religious holiday, but his second time preaching in the country.
The son of the late Billy Graham is said to have discussed the importance of freedom of religion with the government officials as part of his visit.
Speaking at the meeting, he said: “I am grateful for this, and thankful to the Deputy Prime Minister and the government for allowing me to come and preach in Vietnam a second time.”
“This weekend I am looking forward to being in beautiful Ho Chi Minh City, where we are working with more than 300 churches for the Spring Love Festival. All are welcome to attend these free events where I will share a message of God’s love for the people of Vietnam.”
On Thursday, the evangelical leader met the Ministry for Home Affairs and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs again, to discuss the work of churches throughout the Covid pandemic.